Sierra Leone - State of the Marine Environment 2015

marine environment, including condition of habitat, species, ecosystem processes and physical-chemical processes. To score environmental impact of marine-based industries (pressure), experts will follow these steps: 1. Estimate a consensus score for the condition of the environment that coincides with the spatial footprint (i.e. the space where the industry operates) of the industry (eg. relative to 1900). For Best 10% and Worst 10% areas, we focus on the spatial footprint of where the industry operates. For example if it is estimated that the condition of the environment has not changed within an area of 10% of the industry footprint (with reference to the benchmark), then the Best 10% of places will have a score of 8. Changes in condition of the environment should be attributable only to the industry under assessment. For example, if two or more industries are impacting on the same habitat we try to score only the impact of the one industry we are assessing. 2. Assign a confidence grade for the each of the condition estimates (High, Medium, Low). The confidence score may be influenced by uncertainty in attribution of impact where two or more industries are impacting on the same area. 3. Estimate the trend for the condition of the environment within the footprint of the industry (Improving, Declining, Stable) over the last 5 years that is attributable only to the industry under assessment (i.e. not including changes related to other, additional pressures, etc.). 4. Assign a confidence grade for the each of the trend estimates (High, Medium, Low). 5. Record the main anchor references, and any commentary/notes relevant for the assessment of pressures. Pressures Grading statements for pressures - the environmental impact of marine-based industries. Very Good (7-8) Low Pressure This industry has caused no significant changes in the overall environment (condition of habitat, species, ecosystem processes or physical and chemical processes) within its footprint.

Good (5-6) Moderate Pressure

This industry has caused some significant changes in some components of the overall environment, but these are not to the extent that they are significantly affecting ecosystem functions. This industry has caused substantial changes in many components of the overall environment, and these are significantly affecting ecosystem functions in some areas of its spatial footprint. This industry has caused substantial changes in many components of the overall environment across its spatial footprint and ecosystem function is seriously affected.

Poor (3-4) Significant Pressure

Very Poor (1-2) High Pressure

The second step is to assess the totality of all socioeconomic benefits that society receives from the industry. There are several aspects that must be evaluated, including: 1) whether it is a major national employer, paying fair wages, either through direct employment or supporting industries; 2) whether or not the state receives significant taxes, royalties and/or license fees and if a significant portion of profits remain in the country; 3) whether the industry exploits a sustainably managed renewable resource; 4) whether the industry contributes to education and training programs, human health or medical benefits for its employees; 5) whether the industry creates national infrastructure such as roads, communication systems or other facilities;

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